Iran is reported to have dispatched over 200 ballistic missiles to Russia, marking a significant intensification in its defense relationship with Moscow, according to security officials. A ship from Russia transported the short-range Fatah-360 missiles from Tehran to a Caspian Sea port, as disclosed by a Ukrainian source to Sky News.
The delivery of these missiles has heightened concerns among Ukraine and its Western allies, who have long suspected Iran of arming Russia with ballistic capabilities. Previously, Iran had supplied Russia with attack drones, artillery shells, and ammunition, contributing to the ongoing conflict.
During a notable event in London, CIA Director Bill Burns expressed that this development in missile supply would represent a “dramatic escalation” in the defense cooperation between Iran and Russia. He also commented on the significant role of technology in modern warfare.
At this joint event with UK’s MI6 head Sir Richard Moore, both intelligence chiefs accused Russia of engaging in dangerous sabotage activities.
Military analyst Sean Bell commented on the missile delivery’s implications, noting that it allows Russia to conserve its Iskander missiles for longer-range operations, a strategy that poses serious concerns. He also mentioned that Russian soldiers had been receiving training in Iran in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the conflict persisted with intense drone activities. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, 67 drones targeted 11 regions overnight, including Kyiv, with 58 being neutralized by electronic defense systems. Notably, the wreckage of a kamikaze drone was found near the Ukrainian parliament in Kyiv, although no casualties or damage were reported.
In the eastern city of Kostiantynivka, an artillery attack resulted in three fatalities and three injuries, damaging a high-rise and local power infrastructure. This attack followed a series of long-range Russian offensives, including one on a military academy and hospital in Poltava, which resulted in 55 deaths and 328 injuries. The victims were mourned in Poltava with funerals held on Saturday.
Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces continued their military responses, including a drone strike in Russia’s Voronezh region, which ignited a fire and triggered explosions.
